Sara Evans: Greatest Hits (Sony/BMG Records)

WHAT'S the connection between a female country artist and Strictly Come Dancing?

Those in the know will be aware that Dancing With The Stars, the US version of our TV show, had Sara Evans performing twirls recently.

Evans took Nashville by storm a few years back with her Number One hit No Place That Far, an album that has now gone gold. Seven or eight years down the line her greatest hits release includes ten from that plus four new offerings. Apart from her model looks, Evans is a great singer, who picks (and writes) brilliant songs. The album covers lost love, family values, new relationships and budding romance. It's a modern country album with great musicianship, good production and excellent vocals. If she is a new name to you then I would recommend that you treat yourself to a listen. The only disappointment for me is that the record company did not include one of my favourite tracks from her early days, entitled Cryin' Game. That aside, it's brilliant.

■ Don't forget the ambassador of country music George Hamilton IV in the company of Tony Goodacre appear this Sunday night at The Store (Cap-a-pie) in Dipton, near Consett. Show starts 8pm.